Military car insurance for active duty and veterans

What is military car insurance?

Military car insurance options include special policies specifically targeted toward military personnel and their families, including veterans. These policies usually include the same standard coverages offered to the general public but may also include flexible features such as the ability to suspend or modify coverage when deployed or away for a military reason.

“Auto insurance for active-duty military members and military veterans typically offers discounted premiums compared to standard auto rates for the general public,” says Mark Friedlander, director of Corporate Communications for the Insurance Information Institute. “This can lead to substantial savings on auto insurance for veterans and their families. ”

What auto insurance coverage do active military or veterans need?

Car insurance coverage for active-duty military and veterans is similar to standard coverage provided to civilian policyholders. These coverages, which are recommended to all drivers – regardless of whether you are a service member/veteran or not – can include:

• Bodily injury liability and property damage liability
• Personal injury protection
• Medical payments
• Collision
• Comprehensive
• Uninsured/underinsured motorist
• Rental car reimbursement
• Emergency Road service

“These recommended coverages should be offered to you as well as your spouse, relatives who live in your home, and other licensed drivers who have permission to drive your vehicle. These coverages should also be extended to widows, widowers, and stepchildren,” says Friedlander.

Are there military car insurance discounts for veterans and families?

There are military car insurance discounts for active duty service members and their families as well as cheap car insurance for veterans.

“Carriers that serve this clientele offer premium discounts that specifically account for active-duty members who may use their personal vehicle less than average drivers. Additionally, some offer emergency deployment discounts when an active duty customer is sent overseas or on assignment,” Friedlander says.

What do you need to qualify for military car insurance?

Note that you’ll likely be required to verify your military/veteran status to be eligible for discounts. Be prepared to submit a photo ID (driver’s license, state ID card, or passport) as well as one of the following military documents:

• DD-214
• Discharge certificate
• Leave and Earnings Statement (LES)
• Military orders if you are on active duty
• NGB-22
• Academy appointment letter or ROTC contract

Best car insurance companies for military members

While many insurance companies may offer discounted premiums and flexible policies to veterans and active duty service members, three, in particular, stand out for catering to these customers according to Friedlander.

USAA

USAA provides the lowest average auto insurance rates for active duty and veterans across the country and is the largest writer of U.S. military auto policies. Depending on your state, USAA offers up to a 15% discount on optional comprehensive coverage for a car or truck garaged on a military base.

If you are deployed overseas, you will receive auto insurance discounts of up to 60% while your vehicle is in storage.Among USAA’s many perks, if drivers have not had an at-fault accident in five years, the company automatically provides members with free accident forgiveness coverage on their policy.

USAA also earns exceptional customer satisfaction ratings from J.D. Power year after year. USAA offers a wide variety of other financial services products, as well, including home, life and health insurance, and banking and credit card services.

“Even as a State Farm agent, I maintained USAA auto coverage because, although there may be companies with lower rates, there is an inherent value in a company that has a better understanding of the military,” says Chris Mancik, a State Farm agent in New Philadelphia, Ohio, and a former Navy supply officer.

AFI

AFI is a military-focused auto insurer that offers coverage through a network of national and regional carriers. In addition to active duty military and veterans, AFI also provides coverage to current and retired Department of Defense employees.

Geico

Geico bestows up to a 15% discount to veterans, and active-duty military members get an extra 15% off auto coverage. Geico also gives military discounts to members of certain associations, including the Armed Forces Benefits Association (AFBA), Navy League of the United States (NLUS), Navy Federal Credit Union (NFCU), and American Society of Military Controllers (ASMC). Geico further offers numerous other insurance products including life, umbrella, motorcycle, RV, boat, and personal watercraft.

For additional companies, check out Insurance.com's best auto insurance companies ranking.

Money-saving tips for military car insurance

Shopping around is the best way to find a good deal on car insurance for anyone, including military members.

“Compare rates and assess the type of discount each carrier offers to find the best coverage for the best price,” says Friedlander.

Don’t take an insurer’s promises of military discounts to mean the cheapest rates. It's important to look at the base rate, which may be higher than another company and still more expensive even with the discount.

Additionally, be strategic about which person is considered the primary driver on each car, suggests Mancik.

“Also, if you don’t drive very far, or will be gone for extended periods, make sure to have your policy adjusted for being a ‘low-mileage driver,” Mancik adds.